To Encrust or Not to Encrust Salmon: An Inquiry About a Popular Dish

How do you like your salmon? Think of this as the seafood question of the day. If you’re craving an encrusted salmon dish, try it baked with panko breadcrumbs mixed with sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, and parmesan cheese. If you want a non-encrusted but flavorful salmon meal, try one marinaded in a lemon-based sauce. Either way, you come away with tasty seafood known for its nutritional value.

The bigger question, however, is, “Do you eat salmon?”

Once upon a time, I didn’t care much for the fish known for its orange to red-colored flesh. I also didn’t care much for other types of seafood. I remember my childhood days of accompanying my mother to the seafood market. I didn’t like the smell of fish. And there was nothing exciting about seeing a display counter with dead fish laying on top of crushed ice with fish eyes staring back at you. Let’s just say this experience made most types of seafood a total turn off in those days (the exception was cod). Today, salmon is one of my favorite seafood dishes (my other favorites are grilled scallops and grilled shrimp). And it’s a fish I make an effort to eat regularly.

As for its nutritional value, this ray-finned fish is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Yet, its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids is what nutritional experts rave about. The health-promoting takeaway? Make salmon (and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids) a regular part of your diet.

Do you eat salmon? Is there a particular way you prefer to cook it? If yes, please share. And if you’re interested in a tasty baked salmon recipe, check out NatashasKitchen.com. The video of Natasha using this recipe is on HPB Facebook page (the link is at the bottom of this post).